Wetlands Post Suggestion Creates Stir

HADDAM — Members of the wetlands commission are upset that the first selectman is attempting to oust geologist Jeffrey Gardner as a full- time commissioner.

First Selectman Keith Ainsworth, who wants to appoint a strong property rights advocate to the wetlands panel, is recommending that Laurel Grove Road resident Gary Nixon fill the seat held by Gardner.

Ainsworth, arguing that he's taking a positive step to rebuild public faith in the board, said many residents believe the wetlands commission lacks respect for people's right to develop their land.

Ainsworth said Gardner's public service is appreciated and he is not being singled out. However, he said, the expiration of Gardner's term coincided with the needs to strengthen the voice of the commission.

In a letter to Gardner, the first selectman stressed the need to maintain a ``delicate balance'' between various constituencies in our community so that differing, but valid, points of view are reflected on town regulatory boards.

``What [Nixon] brings to the board is a common-sense understanding of property rights,'' said Ainsworth. He noted that Nixon, a Republican town committee member, is among those in town concerned with the wetland panel's position on environmental issues.

Nixon, a 47-year-old insurance salesman and lifelong Higganum resident, calls himself a conservative who will bring honesty and integrity to the position. ``I do believe in less government. I want to maintain personal property rights to the full extent of the law,'' he said.

Ainsworth said he has offered Gardner either an alternate post on the wetlands board or a seat on the economic development commission.

Wetlands commission members, including Chairman Dan Iwanicki, are lobbying hard to retain Gardner -- a certified professional geologist whose term expired in May -- full time. Iwanicki calls Gardner a highly qualified and ``invaluable'' board member who should be lauded, not shunned.

Commission member Mark Stephens expressed hope Monday that Gardner will not become a casualty of partisan politics; Gardner is an unaffiliated voter, while Nixon, like Ainsworth, is a Republican.

``He's a very valuable member. You want this kind of guy,'' said Stephens, acknowledging that Ainsworth is facing pressure from an anti-regulation constituency to diversify the board.

For his part, Gardner, an Old Chester Road resident, told fellow members that he's offended by the whole affair.

``I have no intention of stepping down from the commission and would like to continue helping the town in this capacity. . . . I decided to volunteer my free time to help the community since, as a geologist and oceanographer, I feel I have some expertise to offer,'' he recently wrote commission members. ``I would prefer to leave the commission on my own terms when the time comes.''

Gardner could not be reached for comment Monday.

The controversy will likely be decided at the board of selectmen meeting Wednesday. The 7:30 p.m. meeting will be held at the Connecticut Yankee nuclear power plant's information center in Haddam Neck.